How to Use This Dictionary
Learn how to get the most out of the Ewe-English-French Dictionary.
Searching for a Word
Type a word in Ewe, English, or French in the search bar on the home page. The dictionary searches across all three languages simultaneously.
As you type, suggestions will appear in a dropdown. Click any suggestion to go directly to that word.
If you misspell a word, the dictionary will suggest similar words. Look for the "Did you mean?" section in the search results.
Understanding a Word Entry
Each word entry is organized into sections:
Tone
Ewe is a tonal language. The same spelling can have completely different meanings depending on the tone. Tones are marked as:
IPA Pronunciation
The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) shows you exactly how to pronounce the word. For example: /tó/ means the word is pronounced with a high tone.
Part of Speech
Shows whether the word is a noun, verb, adjective, adverb, pronoun, preposition, conjunction, or interjection.
Dialect
Some words are specific to certain Ewe dialects, such as Aŋlɔ or Vedza. The dialect is shown when relevant.
Translations
Each sense shows the meaning in English, French, and a definition in Ewe.
Example Sentences
See how the word is used in real sentences, with translations in all three languages. Some examples include audio recordings.
Audio & Video
Click the play button to hear the correct pronunciation. Some words also include sign language or visual pronunciation videos.
Using the Ewe Keyboard
When you click or tap on a text field for typing in Ewe, a special keyboard appears. It contains characters unique to the Ewe language:
Click any character to insert it at the cursor position. The keyboard works on both desktop and mobile devices.
Suggesting a New Word
Help grow the dictionary by suggesting words:
- Go to the Suggest a Word page.
- Enter the headword in Ewe.
- Add tonal variants if the word has different meanings with different tones.
- For each tone, add meanings, part of speech, dialect (if applicable), and example sentences.
- Click Submit for Review.
Your submission will be reviewed by our editors. If approved, it will be published in the dictionary. If the word already exists, you will be notified immediately.
Browsing the Dictionary
Visit the Browse page to see all published headwords. You can scroll through the list or use the search bar at the top of the archive to find specific words.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the same word have multiple entries?
Ewe is a tonal language. The same spelling can have different meanings depending on the tone. For example, "to" pronounced with a High tone means "mountain," while "to" with a Mid tone means "to pound." Each tone gets its own section in the entry.
How do I type Ewe characters on my device?
Use the virtual Ewe keyboard that appears when you click on any Ewe text field. For regular use outside the dictionary, you can install an Ewe keyboard layout on your phone or computer.
Can I download the dictionary for offline use?
Currently, the dictionary is available online only. We are exploring options for offline access in the future.
How can I report an error or suggest a correction?
If you find an error in a word entry, please contact us through the website. We appreciate your help in keeping the dictionary accurate.